Pensions UK expands its Future Leaders student initiative

The programme forms part of its Future Leaders initiative, which helps the next generation understand opportunities in the pensions and investment sector.

Developed with the support of Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University, the Future Leaders programme was first launched at last year’s annual conference in Manchester and proved highly successful in introducing students to the industry and giving them direct exposure to real world discussions.

Third and fourth-year students will take part in a series of interactive sessions on the first morning designed to deepen their understanding of pensions and investment fundamentals and showcase the breadth of opportunities within the sector. They will then join the main conference for the remainder of the day to experience keynote discussions, meet professionals and network.

In addition to the main student cohort, Pensions UK have a secondary initiative that invites younger professionals from its business members, who are new to the industry, to attend conference for the first time. The organisation will also welcome a student who will be completing a work experience placement with the organisation’s events team during conference week.

Julian Mund, Chief Executive at Pensions UK, said; “The pensions landscape is changing rapidly and attracting fresh, skilled talent has never mattered more. It has been inspiring to see how much interest and talent exists among students who are looking for careers that make a difference. After launching this initiative in Manchester last year, working with the EICC, Heriot Watt and Edinburgh Napier allows us to create a bridge between academic learning and the real world challenges our industry is tackling today. What excites me most is the curiosity and drive these students bring, qualities that will shape the pensions and investment sector in ways we cannot yet imagine. This programme gives them a meaningful introduction to our world and invites them to help build its future.”

Elaine Miller, Association Business Development Manager at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, said; “We're thrilled to be hosting the Pensions UK Investment Conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and delighted to welcome students from Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University to what is widely regarded as the industry’s flagship forum for serious investment debate.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for investment, finance, actuarial and maths students interested in a career in financial services to network with industry leaders, innovators and policymakers, and to hear directly from government ministers, regulators and senior industry figures as they share their thinking on growth assets and UK investment.

“At the EICC, one of our key aims is to host events that leave a legacy, connect with the local community, and inspire the next generation. We’re delighted to extend this opportunity to students here in Edinburgh.”

Andrea Sneddon, Associate Professor, Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, Heriot-Watt University at Heriot-Watt University, said; “We are delighted that Heriot-Watt students have been invited to take part in the Pensions UK Investment Conference here in Edinburgh. This experience will give them invaluable insight into the pensions and investment sector and the chance to engage directly with industry leaders. Thanks to Pensions UK and the EICC, our students can meaningfully connect their learning with the issues shaping the industry today.”

Martin Robertson, Associate Professor, the Business School, Edinburgh Napier University, said; “The opportunity that the Pensions UK Investment Conference 2026 gives to our students on the BA (Hons) Accounting with Corporate Finance degree programme is immense. Experiencing the activities and issues current in the Pensions sector and receiving vital professional knowledge and insight for success within it is particularly exciting. The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University strives to give our students real and practical awareness of the working environment and the skills for realisation of their ambitions. The conference is a fabulous contributing component of that. We thank Pensions UK and the EICC for this wonderful occasion.”

This year’s Future Leaders programme reflects Pensions UK’s ongoing efforts to support emerging talent at every stage, from students exploring the sector for the first time to young professionals taking their first steps within the industry, strengthening collaboration between the industry, academia and the EICC.

ENDS

Mark Smith, Head of Media Relations
020 7601 1726 | [email protected]

Cali Sullivan, Senior PR Manager
020 7601 1761 | [email protected]